In our monthly series “Lionesses This Month,” we celebrate the incredible achievements of women changing the world and making history. In April, we highlight women who break tradition and convention in politics, women’s health, law and the military.
Women Marines break tradition
Last week, CBS 8 San Diego reported that 53 female recruits were the first to become Marines at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Women usually attend boot camp at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. This was also the first time in the 100-year history of this base that both men and women completed the “Crucible”. The Crucible is a grueling 54-hour, 45-mile hike and one of the last challenges recruits must complete to graduate.
In a statement to CBS 8 San Diego, Lt. Colonel Anthony Bariletti, Commanding Officer 3rd Recruit Battalion Training, said: “A lot of people said we couldn’t train women here at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego specifically because of the hills at Camp Pendleton. These 53 women standing here today are proof that it is not true.”
Yvette Ostolaza leads 155-year-old law firm
Bloomberg Law reports that Sidley Austin, a law firm based in Chicago with offices in many U.S. and international cities, has elected Yvette Ostolaza, managing partner of the firm’s Dallas office, as chair of its management committee. She is the first woman to lead the 155-year-old firm.
Ostolaza said to Bloomberg Law, “To be a first woman or first in anything is an honor and humbling and exciting because it provides a role model for many people – women, men, and others – and says you don’t have to fit a certain mold to succeed.”
Her appointment comes after a successful 2020 for the firm. It grossed a 5.4 percent increase over 2019 of $2.46 Billion, according to Bloomberg Law.
Frances Tang of Awkward Essentials opens conversations
Frances Tang, founder and CEO of Awkward Essentials, recently raised $2.3 million for feminine hygiene products. She aims to move the conversations forward surrounding women’s sexual health.
Tang secured funding from venture capital firm Unorthodox Ventures after she created a product used to clean up after sex. She sat on the idea for years. Once she was accepted into an accelerator program, she took the idea and turned it into action.
Tishaura Jones named St. Louis Mayor
In St. Louis, residents recently elected Tishaura Jones as Mayor. She is the first black female Mayor in the city’s history. In her acceptance speech televised on CNN, she pledged to address the current issues facing the city, including racism, homophobia, and religious intolerance.
Reflecting on her historic win, she said, “This campaign can unequivocally say that we’ve begun breaking down the historic racial barriers and the racial divides that exist and have existed for generations in our city.”
Jones was sworn into office on April 20th.
Want to learn more about women making history? Check out other “Lionesses This Month“!
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